I am getting ready to buy a new or used car, how do I find out how safe it is?For information on buying a safer car, see NHTSA's rating tables at: http://www.safercar.gov/

I have a problem with a car purchased from a local dealer. What can I do?First, try to work out the problem with the local dealer. If the problem is not resolved, contact the manufacturer's
regional or national office. Ask for the consumer affairs office. If unsuccessful, consider using an automotive
dispute resolutions programs. Three examples of such programs are the Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP)
conducted by many State Automobile Dealers Associations, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) at http://www.autosafety.org, and the Better Business Bureaus (BBB) Auto Line at http://www.bbb.org (Information
courtesy of the Consumer Action Handbook)

I wish to manufacture a new device I designed for safer automobile driving. Who do I contact?Contact the NHTSA Office of Chief Counsel Rulemaking Division at (202) 366-2992 on the legal use of a new device
or get more information at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/maninfo/

I am starting a trailer manufacturing business. How do I get VINs and manufacturer ID numbers?

I am an over-the-road truck driver and just got a conviction for speeding. How will that affect my
commercial driver's license?

The Motor Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 requires each state to report all traffic convictions
to the licensing state, and for the licensing state to record the information on the driver history of that driver.
If the conviction is for an offense specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations-FMCSRs (49 CFR 383.5 Serious
traffic violation or 49 CFR 383.51 Disqualification of drivers) then the federal regulations specify what type
of driver license suspension action must be taken. If the conviction is for an offense not specified in the FMCSRs,
the state’s normal procedures are followed, e.g., most states assign points which determine if a driver license
suspension will be initiated. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is conducting reviews of all states
to be sure they are following these procedures. For more information, contact the Motor Carrier Safety field office
nearest to you: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Who is required to have a US DOT number, and where can it be obtained?

Every self-propelled commercial motor vehicle operated in interstate commerce and meets at least one of the following
criteria is required to have a USDOT number:

has a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight rating,
or gross vehicle or combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater

is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including
the driver) for compensation

is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers,
including the driver, and not used to transport passengers for compensation

is used in transporting a quantity of Hazardous Materials
requiring placarding

A US DOT number can obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration by calling (800) 832-5660 or from FMCSA's web site at: http//:www.safersys.org

I am from a TV station/radio station/newspaper agency. Where can I get information on a particular
media topic?